Rare Pair Ryoshibako and Suzuribako - Edo periodOf all the highly skilled Japanese arts, lacquer is one of the most undervalued. Here we have two items from our collection of document boxes (Ryoshibako) and writing boxes (suzuribako). They are a matched pair in typical Japanese style, obviously a pair with similar decoration but each one different.The drop over lid of the Ryoshibako is extensively decorated with an idyllic mountain scene including a stream and water mill. Measuring 41cms x 32cms, the gold and silver takamaki-e and hiramaki-e is finely detailed right down to the trees on the distant skyline. The interior of the lid is polished black Roiro with gold hirame and further exquisite hiramaki-e decoration, an over-hanging tree with a stream bordered by flowers. The edges of both the lid and the box are finished in fundame gold.The Ryoshibako is unusual in that it has an additional inner tray. Decorated all over on both sides with hirame on a polished roiro ground i...